Concept 1: Observations, Questions, and Hypotheses
Observe, ask questions, and make predictions.
PO1. Differentiate inferences from observations.
PO2. Formulate a relevant question through observations that can be tested by an investigation.
(See M04-S2C1-01)
PO3. Formulate predictions in the realm of science based on observed cause and effect relationships.
PO4. Locate information (e.g., book, article, website) related to an investigation.
(See W04-S3C6-01 and R04-S3C1-05)

Concept 2: Scientific Testing (Investigating and Modeling)
Participate in planning and conducting investigations, and recording data.
PO 1. Demonstrate safe behavior and appropriate procedures (e.g., use and care of technology, materials, organisms) in all science inquiry.
PO2. Plan a simple investigation that identifies the variables to be controlled.
PO3. Conduct controlled investigations (e.g., related to erosion, plant life cycles, weather, magnetism) in life, physical, and Earth and space sciences.
PO4. Measure using appropriate tools (e.g., ruler, scale, balance) and units of measure (i.e., metric,U.S. customary).
(See M04-S4C4-03 and M04-S4C4-07)
PO 5. Record data in an organized and appropriate format (e.g., t-chart, table, list, written log).
(See W04-S3C2-01 and W04-S3C3-01)

Concept 3: Analysis and Conclusions
Organize and analyze data; compare to predictions.
PO1. Analyze data obtained in a scientific investigation to identify trends.
(See M04-S2C1-03)
PO2. Formulate conclusions based upon identified trends in data.
(See M04-S2C1-03)
PO3. Determine that data collected is consistent with the formulated question.
PO4. Determine whether the data supports the prediction for an investigation.
PO5. Develop new questions and predictions based upon the data collected in the investigation.

Concept 4: Communication
Communicate results of investigations.
PO1. Communicate verbally or in writing the results of an inquiry.
(See W04-S3C3-01)
PO2. Choose an appropriate graphic representation for collected data:
  • bar graph
  • line graph
  • Venn diagram
  • model
(See M04-S2C1-02)
PO3. Communicate with other groups or individuals to compare the results of a common investigation.

Concept 1: Changes in Environments
Describe the interactions between human populations, natural hazards, and the environment.
PO1. Describe how natural events and human activities have positive and negative impacts on environments (e.g., fire, floods, pollution, dams).
PO2. Evaluate the consequences of environmental occurrences that happen either rapidly (e.g., fire, flood, tornado) or over a long period of time (e.g., drought, melting ice caps, the greenhouse effect, erosion).


Concept 2: Science and Technology in Society
Understand the impact of technology.
PO1. Describe how science and technology (e.g., computers, air conditioning, medicine) have improved the lives of many people.
PO2. Describe benefits (e.g., easy communications, rapid transportation) and risks (e.g., pollution, destruction of natural resources) related to the use of technology.
PO 3. Design and construct a technological solution to a common problem or need using common materials.


Concept 3: Organisms and Environments
Understand the relationships among various organisms and their environment.
PO1. Describe ways various resources (e.g., air, water, plants, animals, soil) are utilized to meet the needs of a population.
PO2. Differentiate renewable resources from nonrenewable resources.
PO3. Analyze the effect that limited resources (e.g., natural gas, minerals) may have on an environment.
PO4. Describe ways in which resources can be conserved (e.g., by reducing, reusing, recycling, finding substitutes).
Animal and Plant Project:
When researching... Think about....
Why is your animal and plant so important?
Who or what may damage the environment of the animal or plant and how?
What can people do to show more respect to the animal or plant's environment?

LINKS:
AZ Animal Report Link

http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/awv_tv.shtml



http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/exploring_ecosystems/index.html

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/gpe/gpe.html

http://ocid.nacse.org/lichenland/

http://williamstown.k12.ma.us/weblessons/WasteRecycleWebQuest/index.html

http://www.quia.com/mc/649443.html